Experiences with
AtherosclerosisCheck if you have atherosclerosis
You may not have any symptoms of atherosclerosis, but symptoms can include:
- chest pain
- pain in your arms and legs, especially when exercising
- feeling short of breath
- feeling tired all the time
- feeling weak
- feeling confused
- you have chest pain that comes and goes
- you feel short of breath
- you have pain in your arms and legs when walking or exercising
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online .
Causes of atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis happens when fatty deposits build up in the arteries, which causes them to narrow.
Things that increase your chances of getting atherosclerosis include:
- being over 65 years of age
- smoking
- having high cholesterol
- having high blood pressure
- having close relatives who have cardiovascular disease
Things you can do to help with atherosclerosis
There are some things you can do to help stop atherosclerosis getting worse:
eat healthily and eat less saturated fat and sugar
maintain a healthy weight
keep your blood sugar levels under control if you have diabetes
do not smoke
do not drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week
Treatments for atherosclerosis
There are currently no treatments to reverse atherosclerosis, but you may be offered medicines to lower your risk of having a heart attack or a stroke.
You may need medicines to:
- lower your cholesterol (statins)
- lower your blood pressure
- lower your risk of blood clots
- lower your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes
You may also need surgery to help improve blood flow through the affected arteries.
Complications of atherosclerosis
Without lifestyle changes and medical treatment, atherosclerosis may get worse over time.
It can cause:
- signs of a heart attack – pain like a tight band or heavy weight in your chest
- signs of a stroke – face dropping on 1 side, cannot hold both your arms up, difficulty speaking
- difficulty breathing – gasping for breath, choking, not able to get any words out
- sudden confusion – unable to think or speak clearly, suddenly do not know where you are
Atherosclerosis can increase your risk of serious problems such as a heart attack or stroke.
Atherosclerosis does not always have symptoms. Sometimes it can cause symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath and tiredness.
Lifestyle changes can help stop atherosclerosis getting worse. Things you can do include stopping smoking, eating healthily and exercising regularly.
Medicines can help lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke if you have atherosclerosis. Surgery is sometimes needed to improve blood flow.
Atherosclerosis happens when fatty deposits build up in the arteries. It can be caused by high cholesterol, high blood pressure and smoking.
Related links
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